Nigerian children could face death penalty for protesting

There has been an outcry in Nigeria over the fact that 29 children are among those who face the death sentence for allegedly taking part in protests against the cost-of-living crisis.

The minors, aged between 14 and 17, were part of a group of 76 people charged in court on Friday.

Charges against them include treason, destruction of property, public disturbance and inciting a military coup.

Four of the children collapsed in the courtroom from exhaustion before they could enter a plea.

They have reportedly been held by the police since August.

Nigerians took to the streets in cities across the country in that month to protest against economic reforms, including the ending of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the local currency.

The changes have led to rampant inflation and inflicted increasing hardship on ordinary people, but President Bola Tinubu has vowed to pursue them saying they are needed to keep the country afloat.

Security forces were accused of using excessive force during the protests, with rights group Amnesty International saying at least 13 people were shot dead in clashes with the police.

Death Penalty

In Nigeria, treason and inciting a coup are considered serious offenses with severe penalties.

According to Section 37 of the Criminal Code Act, treason is punishable by death, including levying war against the state or conspiring with others to do so, with the intent to intimidate or overawe the President or Governor of a State.

The law also addresses other related offenses, such as instigating invasion of Nigeria, promoting inter-communal war, and inciting to mutiny, which are punishable by life imprisonment or death.

These provisions, according to the framers of the law, demonstrate the government’s commitment to maintaining public order and national security.

Furthermore, the Criminal Code Act outlines specific penalties for various offenses, including corruption, abuse of office, and misconduct relating to corpses.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook